1. Is there an advantage to buy the plasma tv at Costco over other retailers? -
YES. Price, 90 day return policy, extra 1 year warranty added to MFG warranty and a 2% price rebate if you have a Costco AMEX
2. What is the equalivant model of the Costco version? -
Check the specs on Panasonic's website to compare
3. Is it true that Costco's versions of the main retail models use inferior parts and lack features? -
NO to the inferior parts. I've seen this crap spread around before with absolutely no proof to back it up. It's pure conjecture used to explain the difference in model numbers and slightly different features. Yes, some features may be different, but you will see that the "guts" of the sets are the same as their "retail" conterparts.
I've got a 58" Pany plasma purchased from Costco early this year. No problems, and the picture is fantastic.
